Prescribing Information for Zithromax (Azithromycin):

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax belongs to the class of antibiotics called erythromycin. It is intended to treat infections caused by bacteria.

Zithromax is prescribed for treatment of different infections caused by bacteria like respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

It is also used for treatment of middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat in children.

Zithromax may also be prescribed for other uses.

What is important to know about Zithromax?

You should not use Zithromax if you have ever been allergic to azithromycin or similar medications, for example erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

Zithromax can interact with other medications. Notify your doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you are using, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products. You should inform your doctor if you are going to start taking a new medication. It is important for you to keep a list of all the medicines you are taking and to show it to every doctor who treats you.

Do not stop taking Zithromax earlier than prescribed. You may feel better before you treat your disease entirely. Zithromax is not effective for treatment of viral infections like influenza or cold.

You should not eat within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Zithromax. You may take Zithromax with or without food.

You should not use antacids containing aluminum or magnesium (Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others) during 2 hours before and after taking Zithromax as they can lessen the effectiveness of Zithromax.

Before taking Zithromax.

Never use Zithromax is you have a known allergy with Azithromycin (the drug’s generic name) or similar drugs like Erythromycin, Clarithromycin and Telithromycin (all related macrolide antibiotics).

Also, be sure to inform your physician if you are suffering or have suffered from any of the following conditions as your dosage might be adjusted for better effects and prevention of complications:

In terms of Pregnancy Categorization, this drug is under Category B, thus is not expected to be harmful to an unborn child. Also inform your physician if you are pregnant or have plans to carry on with pregnancy during the treatment course. It is also not known if Azithromycin can be passed into the breast milk or if it could harm a nursing child. Never take this drug if you haven’t informed your physician that you are currently nursing a child.

How should Zithromax be taken?

Follow the prescriptions of your doctor and the instructions which come with the medication carefully. Do not change your dose and do not use Zithromax for a longer period than prescribed. The amount and period of using Zithromax may differ depending on type of infection.

Swallow every tablet or capsule of Zithromax with a full glass (8 ounces) of liquid.

If you are using the oral suspension, open the single dose packet and pour the medication into 2 ounces of liquid. Shake the mixture slightly and drink it immediately, do not store it for later use. You should throw out any mixture that has not been taken within 12 hours.

Pour some water into the glass, swirl it and drink immediately to ensure that you get the full dose of the medicine.

You should not eat within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Zithromax. You may take Zithromax with or without food. Using any form of this medication with food may prevent your stomach upset.

Shake the bottle with liquid form of the medicine (oral suspension) well before measuring a dose. Do not use a table spoon to measure the dose of liquid form of Zithromax. If you do not have a special dose-measuring cup or spoon, ask your healthcare provider where you can get it.

Do not stop taking Zithromax earlier than prescribed. You may feel better before you treat your disease entirely. Zithromax is not effective for treatment of viral infections like influenza or cold.

Keep Zithromax at room temperature protected from heat and moisture. Discard unused liquid form of medication after 10 days.

What happenes if I overdose?

Activate emergency medical attention if you have overdosed from this medication.

Drug overdose may be characterized by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea as well as gastrointestinal discomfort.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Immediately take the dose that you missed the moment you remember it. If it is already time for your next scheduled dose, skip taking the missed dose. Remember not to take an extra dose to compensate for a missed dose.

What shouls I avoid while taking Zithromax?

Avoid taking Antacids which contain aluminum or magnesium, 2 hours before or after taking Zithromax. Examples of antacids which contain Al and Mg are Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, etc. These types of antacids lessen the effectiveness of Zithromax when taking within the two hour leeway.

Antibiotics can also cause diarrhea, and may indicate the presence of a new infection. Be sure to take note of your stool and see if it is watery or bloody. If this is the case, stop taking Zithromax and consult your doctor about this. Also, never use an Anti-Diarrheal medication unless prescribed by your doctor as this may interact with the drug or might conceal other complications/infections going on inside your body.

Refrain from exposing yourself to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time, as well as in tanning beds. Zithromax increases our skin’s sensitivity and therefore leads to sunburns more easily. If you are planning to go outdoors, be sure to apply a hefty amount of sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher.

What side effects can Zithromax cause?

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms of allergy: trouble breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. You should call your doctor promptly if you develop any of the following serious conditions:

This list is just a partial one and there are a lot of other drugs which can interact with taking Zithromax. Be sure to inform your physician of all the medications that you are using or are planning to take during the course of Zithromax treatment. This may include prescription drugs by other physicians, OTC drugs for cough, colds, etc, vitamins and nutritional supplements and even herbal medications. Never start any new medication without informing your doctor first about it. Best of all, you may keep a list of drugs that you are taking and make it a habit to show it to any physician treating you.

The information provided on this site is not intended to replace any advice given by your physician or other health care workers. Additionally, you should not attempt to utilize any of this information to treat or diagnose a medical problem without first seeking advice from a qualified medical professional. Further, it is vital that you read any and all instructions and precautions listed on the label of any medication you are prescribed. If you suspect you may be suffering from a medical issue please contact your doctor right away.